Raila Odinga meets Zimbabwe President as he intensifies AUC campaigns

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, has kicked off his tour of South African countries as part of his campaign for the African Union Commission (AU) chair.
Raila yesterday met Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa in Harare to drum up support for his position. Odinga’s diplomatic efforts aim to consolidate backing from key African governments ahead of the crucial vote.
The ODM leader is one of three candidates vying for the top AU chair, along with Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, and Somalia’s Fawzia Yusuf Adam.
Speaking after the meeting, Raila expressed optimism about Zimbabwe’s backing, given the fact that President Mnangagwa is current chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
“I have come to announce my candidature and to also ask for support from Zimbabwe and SADC by extension. I am happy to have been received very well by the President,” he said.
The president said Raila shared his appreciation for the warm reception, stating: “We landed in Harare, Zimbabwe today to a warm reception courtesy of President Emmerson Mnangagwa. It’s been a pleasure sharing with the President my vision for Africa and discussing my candidature for the AUC Chairmanship,” Mnangagwa said.
The chair position at the AU Commission is set to rotate to the eastern Africa region, following institutional reforms aimed at improving transparency, regional representation, and meritocracy in the AU’s leadership selection process. Past chairpersons have come from the western, central, and southern regions of Africa, making this an opportunity for Eastern Africa to take the lead.
Raila has been campaigning across the continent to lobby for support. His visit to Harare comes as part of his broader campaign, with plans to meet leaders from other Southern African nations to solidify regional backing.